DIARRHEA

Diarrhea is the frequent passage of unformed, watery, sometimes urgent bowel movements. It is a common symptom of the stomach flu or gastroenteritis. You may also experience a crampy pain throughout the abdomen, especially before each stool.

Common Causes:

Viral infections are the most common cause.

Bacteria or bacterial toxins found in food (food poisoning)

Medications such as antibiotics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen or Meclomen.

Emotional stress

Inflammatory bowel problems

Parasites (frequently following foreign travel)

Self Care or Treatment:

Antibiotics are rarely helpful and may make things worse as many cause diarrhea as a side effect.

Over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate may reduce the stool amount and consistency.

Drink plenty of clean liquids (Gatorade is especially good)

Avoid drinks that are high in sugar, as they can increase diarrhea

When clear liquids are well tolerated, progress to constipating foods that spell BRAT:

Bananas

Rice

Asparagus

Toast

DO NOT use medications that slow the peristalsis of the bowel such as Lomotil or Immodium as they may slow elimination of toxins or organisms.

Risks and Dangers:

The greatest risk is dehydration. You must keep up your fluid intake!

When accompanied by vomiting and/or fever, chances of becoming dehydrated are increased.

Black or bloody diarrhea may signal bleeding from the stomach or intestines. However some medications can also turn the stool black, (especially Pepto-Bismol).

Cramping or intermittent gas-like pains are not uncommon, however, steady persistent abdominal pain is not!

When To See A Doctor:

Presence of black or bloody stool

Severe abdominal pain.

Dehydration caused by inability to keep down liquids

decreased urine output or very dark urine.

marked thirst

dry mouth

sunken looking eyes sometimes with dark circles

skin that has lots its elasticity (to check this pinch skin on the stomach or the back of the hand using all 5 fingers. When released it should spring back immediately, compare to another person’s if necessary. When skin remains tented and does not spring back normally, dehydration is indicated).